It was with grim acceptance that we took in the news that Coatesville Police Chief Stephen John had been diagnosed with cancer that would keep him from fulfilling his duties in the department, and, moreover, the promise that the city’s dysfunctional police department would begin to turn the corner.

But we hope that the move by City Manager Kirby Hudson to get the department back on its feet after this blow will be accepted by all parties involved, and the sorely needed police can begin 2013 with a fresh outlook.

Thirty-five-year Philadelphia police veteran Johnson was named chief in November to acclaim by all in the city. He was supposed to start shortly thereafter, but was subsequently diagnosed with cancer. After consulting with doctors and his family, Johnson resigned on Monday.

“I spoke to him a couple times during the holiday, and then again (Monday), and he feels it would just be too much for him, the strain on his health to try and be a full-time chief,” Hudson said. “It’s very disappointing, but it just goes to show you, even the best laid-out plans don’t always work.

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After talking to Johnson on Monday, Hudson contacted previous candidate John Laufer III, a major with the Pennsylvania State Police.

“I reached out to (Laufer), who was my choice prior to Mr. Johnson, and he is interested in becoming Coatesville’s chief of police,” Hudson said. Hudson said he hoped a vote on Laufer’s candidacy would occur at Wednesday’s City Council reorganization meeting. But the timing of the situation could make that difficult.

Hudson said Laufer’s interest in the position makes Johnson’s resignation easier to deal with.

“He is a great person as well, and even though we aren’t getting Mr. Johnson, if we can get (Laufer), I don’t think we’re losing out on anything,” Hudson said. “I think it’s fortunate to have him come back, especially after what happened last time.”

In September, Laufer was rejected by council by one vote. While a majority vote of four members was necessary, only four were present, and Councilwoman Carrie “Villa” Hunt’s lone dissenting vote was the decider.